Headlines: BJP celebrates two years by saying corruption is down, and nine other top stories
The Indus civilisation dates back beyond 8,000 BC, said researchers, and Mehbooba Mufti drew flak for comparing displaced Kashmiris to pigeons.
A look at the biggest news right now:
- At anniversary event, Narendra Modi says BJP has curbed corruption despite Opposition's obstructions: The Prime Minister was addressing the country's citizens from India Gate, where the NDA government was holding its 'Ek Nayi Subah' celebrations.
- Indus era dates back further than thought, older than Egypt, Mesopotamia: IIT, ASI scientists: The researchers said they found evidence to suggest the civilisation flourished around 8,000 BC, not 5,500 as was believed.
- Flak for Mehbooba Mufti after she likens returning Kashmiri migrants to pigeons being put among cats: The Opposition said her hunter-hunted analogy 'defamed and demonised' the people of the state.
- Italian marine returns home after spending four years locked up in India: Salvatore Girone was embraced by the country’s Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti on his arrival.
- Pilgrims stranded in Uttarakhand as heavy rain forces authorities to shut down Gangotri-Kedarnath road: No casualties have been reported in the area so far.
- Ads for contraceptives banned on Pakistan TV, radio: The country’s regulator said media of this sort was ‘undesired’ and lead to children becoming curious about the ‘use of such products’.
- First arrest made in Brazil gangrape case: The police are still looking for the rest of the 30 attackers, while citizens took to the streets to protest against the gruesome event.
- More than a dozen African nationals reportedly attacked in South Delhi: Local police filed an FIR on Friday, after seven people were hospitalised following the attacks.
- EC cancels election in two Tamil Nadu constituencies: The Election Commission had originally postponed polls because of money being distributed for votes, but has now rescinded them entirely because of an 'unconducive environment'.
- NSG membership is not about arms race, US says in reaction to Pakistan opposing to India's bid: State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner said the group is about peaceful civil use of nuclear energy and that Islamabad must understand that.